Right in the Birthplace of Marathon

Mother of four finds joy in finishing first 42km race

CEBU, Philippines — It is every runner’s dream to complete a full marathon, a tedious task that entails not only physical strength, stamina and endurance but also mental toughness.

To achieve such monumental feat, one must be armored with utmost sense of discipline, perseverance and iron will.

That is the very reason why Cebuana long distance runner Cherylyn Tan Lee couldn’t help but feel proud and happy for attaining a certain measure of success when she finished her first ever 42-kilometer race right in its birthplace - Marathon, Greece.

You may call it beginner’s luck but hurdling such daunting mission in her very first try means a lot to Lee.

“I am very thankful, proud, happy and fulfilled,” said Lee.

And why not? She went through a lot of challenges before conquering the 37th Athens Marathon last November 11 starting at the town of Marathon and ending at the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the main historic attractions of Athens, and the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble.

Lee felt like she’s floating on cloud nine when she touched down the finish line with a time of four hours and 52 minutes, good enough for a first timer going through a lung-busting grind.

“They say that this is the toughest marathon because of the race course and the elevation. The run has a total ascent of 993.08 ft and has a maximum elevation of 830.38 ft. The highest uphill was at 32km. It was very tiring and exhausting. I nearly had cramps at the 33km but I just kept on praying. In fact, I was able to pray the rosary three times while running,” Lee said.

Lee said she first ventured in running merely to stay fit and nurture an active and  healthy lifestyle.

“I prefer running because for me it is the most convenient and the cheapest form of exercise. You make up your own time, pace and choice where to run. There no fee if you hit the roads just to run,” said Lee, adding that she got lots of benefits out of doing what she loves most.

“Running is my ‘me time’. This is my stress reliever. I feel happy when I run. I meditate and this is also the time where I pray the rosary. Running clears my mind and make me stay fit,” she said. “It also teaches me the value of discipline and management.”

Lee said she eventually challenged herself to raise the bar of her running repertoire higher. That prompted her to try marathon for the first time and she did it in style at the historic site known as the cradle of marathon civilization.

“At first running was just part of staying fit. Then it crossed my mind if I can survive a full marathon. I just want to challenge myselt so I chose to run my first full marathon to where it all started,” said Lee.

The amazing thing is that the proud 42-year-old mother of four attained her goal while juggling her time between training and family not to mention the family business that she also tends to.

“I start training at 3 a.m. each day because I want that my kids (Matthew 14, Jaden 11, Jonah 8 and Maddie 2) are still sleeping when I return home from running,” said Lee. “Every time I am on my ‘me time’ running, I always feel guilty that I am not at home with them.”

With all the efforts, hard work and sacrifices she freely makes, Lee truly finds joy and blessedness in what she considers as the biggest achievement of her life.

“Finishing this full marathon with flying colors is my greatest achievement. The training alone is rigorous and extremely tough,”said Lee. “I am forever thankful to God for all of these because without Him I am nothing. To my Tanting family, my very understanding husband Noel, my kids, my friends, to Arlene Yu, who is my running buddy, and to my coach AldrinPasumala who trained me to be the best that I can be, thank you for believing in me. I am forever grateful to all of you.”